Guide to Shannon, Limerick, & Bunratty Ireland

With more than 3 million passengers per year, Shannon Airport is one of the main entry points to Ireland for international travelers.  We arrived on Delta, and were pleasantly surprised to find a modern, compact airport that was easy to navigate.  We stood in the obligatory line for the quick customs check, retrieved our luggage, and then picked up a taxi for the trip to Limerick, which would be our stop for our first two nights in Ireland.  We had our first "Irish experience" as we drove to Limerick, as our driver chatted about the area.  He was the first of a large number of very friendly Irish we were to meet on our trip. 

Our preference would have been to spend our first two nights in Shannon, but the Shannon airport is basically by itself in the countryside,

With a population of 91,000, Limerick is the third largest metropolitan area in the Republic of Ireland.  It's a city rich in history, having begun as a Viking settlement in the tenth century.  The Normans added St. John's Castle and St. Mary's Cathedral in the twelfth century.  Today it is a healthy, busy city.  It has somehow obtained the reputation as the "stab capital" of Ireland.  We aren't experts on urban crime and we don't normally wander any city's streets late at night, but Limerick seemed very safe and quiet during the days we were there.

Travel tips for Shannon

1. To hire a cab at Shannon airport, you must stop by the taxi desk in the terminal before going outside.  This is where the drivers meet and wait for their fares.

2. When flying out of Shannon back to the U.S., allow extra time to clear U.S. Customs at the Shannon airport.  In both Dublin and Shannon, this is done on the Irish side of your trip, which helps reduce your time when you land in the U.S.

3. You should know in advance that taxis from Shannon airport to nearby towns operate under fixed rates.  For example, Bunratty is 20 Euros, and Limerick city center is 32 Euros, not including a tip.  It helps to confirm this with your taxi driver as you begin your journey, to minimize any misunderstandings.  For more information, see http://www.shannonairport.com/to-from/byairportcab.html

Travel tips for Limerick

1. The Visitors Center at Arthur's Quay offers walking tours each morning.  The cost is 10 Euros per person, and the tours last 1 1/2 hours.  You'll learn the history of Limerick and the surrounding area, plus a number of interesting anecdotes from your guide.  For example, having "one for the road" originated in Limerick, when a Limerick innkeeper persuaded the town's hangman to allow a prisoner to stop on the way to the gallows and have "one for the road."  This tour is highly recommended.  Check with your hotel to verify the tour is being offered on the morning you are in Limerick - they can call the Visitor's Center for you.

2. Arthur's Quay shopping center is one block from the River Shannon near the Sarsfield Bridge.  It's a large indoor mall which includes a good grocery store.  The grocery store has a good selection of groceries of all types, including very good Irish soda bread which can be purchased in small loaves in the bread aisle.  As with many European groceries, you must buy a plastic bag to transport your groceries unless you bring your own.

3. For fast food, O'Connell Street has a McDonalds and a Burger King.

4. St. John's Castle and St. Mary's Cathedral are both worthwhile, and are an easy walk from Limerick's city center.

Travel tips for Bunratty

1. Bunratty is halfway between Shannon and Limerick, and a taxi ride from either city will cost around 15 Euros. 

2. If you are in the area, plan on visiting the Bunratty castle and folk park.  The castle originally dates to the thirteenth century and was the stronghold of the O'Brien clan, and was destroyed and rebuilt on at least five occasions.  It has been restored to its original condition, and is now a National Monument and is the most complete and authentically restored and furnished castle in Ireland.  It's also one of the region's top tourist attractions.  You can freely roam throughout the castle, including climbing up to the different stories via the narrow interior stone staircase, and the view from the top of the castle is well worth the climb.  A visit to the castle is highly recommended.

3. On the castle grounds is a large "folk park."  This is a recreation of life in Ireland in the 19th century, complete with a small village, a church, watermill, farmhouse, and other structures.  Plan on 2 to 3 hours for touring this living memorial to old Ireland.  Done incorrectly, this would have been a very corny, amusement park type of venue.  But it was done correctly, and it is very impressive, and well worth your time.  The folk park is highly recommended, and offers some excellent photo opportunities. 

4. Admission to the castle and folk park is 14 Euros for adults, and 9 Euros for children.  More information can be found at http://www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/BunrattyCastleFolkPark

5. Bunratty castle is also the scene of a medieval banquet each evening.  These banquets are held at several castles in Ireland.  They are neither authentic nor historic, so don't attend one of them with the impression you are stepping back in time to dine with the medieval Irish.  But do go to have fun and a good meal in a really memorable setting. 

6. An alternative to the touristy medieval banquet at the castle is the "Traditional Irish Night" at the Corn Barn in the Bunratty Folk Park village.  Your admission includes a great meal, all the wine you can drink, and entertainment (singers and dancers).  We attended this, we had a great time and excellent food (including Irish stew), and we would highly recommend it.  For more information, please visit   http://www.shannonheritage.com/Entertainment/TraditionalIrishNight/IrishNightProgramme

7. If you are in the area at a mealtime, be sure to visit Durty Nelly's Pub, located adjacent to the entrance to the folk park.  Durty Nelly's was established in 1620, and is a good place to sit and relax and have a pint of Guiness and a good meal.  We ate lunch there and had a good, hot meal at a fair price.

	Ireland Travel Guides & Travel Tips
	Irish Restaurants
	Ireland Hotels
	Shannon, Limerick & Bunratty
	Western Ireland   - Galway, Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, Westport, Knock
	Northwestern Ireland   - Bundoran & Donegal
	Northern Ireland   - Belfast, Derry, Giant's Causeway
	Eastern Ireland   - Dublin, Knowth, Ballyknocken House
	Southeasten Ireland   - Kilkenny, Waterford
	Southern Ireland   - Kerry & Cork Counties